Yoon’s lawyers are reportedly arguing with police outside his residence in Seoul, amid a strong police presence and protests. Yonhap reports that the arrest team warned Yoon’s legal team about potential custody if they obstruct access. Protesters chant for Yoon’s arrest, while his supporters display banners. Despite a court-issued arrest warrant, attempts to detain Yoon have been thwarted by his security team, led by Park Jong-joon. Thousands, including ruling party members, have gathered, anticipating another arrest attempt. Penelope Kingsley 14/01/2025 9:00 pm
Pope Francis’ memoir “Hope” highlights his papacy’s focus on simplicity, humility, and openness about personal mistakes. He acknowledges past errors, including a youthful fight, and ongoing imperfections, despite the Catholic belief in papal infallibility. The memoir addresses major events, like assassination attempts, but offers few new details on scandals. Francis discusses the Church’s sexual abuse crisis, recalling Pope Benedict XVI’s handover of related documents. He condemns war and links modern populism to 1930s Germany, emphasizing the importance of understanding history. The plight of refugees remains a personal concern for him. Noah Prescott 14/01/2025 9:00 pm
Ukrainian special forces reportedly found North Korean soldiers among the dead in Russia’s Kursk region, with one detonating a grenade upon discovery. This incident highlights North Korean soldiers’ extreme measures in supporting Russia’s war with Ukraine. A defector, Kim, claims these soldiers are brainwashed to sacrifice for Kim Jong Un. Ukraine and Western sources estimate 11,000 North Korean troops in Russia, with over 3,000 casualties. Moscow and Pyongyang initially denied these reports, but recent statements suggest acknowledgment of North Korean presence. Ava Sinclair 14/01/2025 5:30 pm
NATO has launched “Baltic Sentry,” a patrol and surveillance operation to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea amid concerns of sabotage following undersea cable breaches. The mission, involving frigates, aircraft, and naval drones, aims to deter destabilizing acts and enhance vigilance. The operation’s duration is undisclosed. Recent incidents, including a suspected Russian tanker damaging cables, have heightened fears of sabotage. Finland seized the tanker, believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” preventing further damage. Baltic leaders support Finland’s proactive measures as a deterrent against future threats. Penelope Kingsley 14/01/2025 5:30 pm
Ukraine launched a significant drone and missile attack on Russian regions, damaging factories and closing schools in southern Russia. Over 200 Ukrainian drones and five ATACMS missiles were reportedly downed. The Bryansk region faced a major missile attack, while Engels city saw industrial damage. Flight restrictions were imposed in several cities. Russia fired a hypersonic missile at Ukraine in response. President Putin warned of escalating conflict, while President-elect Trump advocated for a ceasefire, raising questions about U.S. support for Ukraine. Penelope Kingsley 14/01/2025 5:30 pm
The economy is struggling, with high borrowing costs and low approval ratings, causing concern among ministers. Labour leaders Starmer and Reeves face market skepticism over their economic plans, leading to political unease. Despite this, the government remains committed to its fiscal rules, suggesting spending cuts may be necessary. The prime minister hopes to leverage artificial intelligence to improve public services efficiently. Downing Street reassures that Reeves will remain chancellor, emphasizing the close relationship between Starmer and Reeves and their shared political future. Penelope Kingsley 14/01/2025 5:30 pm
South African authorities face criticism for their handling of a situation where hundreds of illegal miners are trapped in the abandoned Buffelsfontein Gold Mine. Civic groups claim over 100 miners have died from starvation or dehydration, with 500 still trapped. Authorities cut off supplies in November to force them out, but miners fear arrest. Groups argue a rescue operation is needed, as miners are trapped up to 2.5 kilometers deep. The miners have been underground since at least November, with some reports suggesting since July. Noah Prescott 14/01/2025 5:30 pm
Newly declassified MI5 documents reveal that Queen Elizabeth II was not informed about her art adviser Anthony Blunt’s role as a Soviet spy to avoid adding to her worries. Blunt, part of a Cambridge spy ring, confessed in 1964 but retained his position and knighthood. The queen was informed in 1973, taking the news calmly. Blunt was publicly exposed by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1979, stripped of his knighthood, but never prosecuted. He died in 1983. The files highlight increasing transparency from Britain’s intelligence services. Noah Prescott 14/01/2025 2:00 pm
Liberal Democrat Daisy Cooper criticized Reeves for visiting China without securing assurances for Jimmy Lai’s release. Reeves defended her trip, stating it allowed her to address human rights and other issues directly with China. Cooper also criticized the budget for insufficient NHS funding, while Reeves argued that more public spending requires increased revenue. Reeves emphasized the government’s commitment to fiscal rules and reducing debt. She also noted that banks believe the China deal will have a positive impact, while accusing the Tories of merely attacking Labour without offering solutions. Penelope Kingsley 14/01/2025 2:00 pm
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan, prompting tsunami advisories for Miyazaki and Kochi Prefectures. Residents were advised to evacuate coastal areas. A tsunami, reaching up to 3.2 feet, hit within 30 minutes, with waters at Miyazaki Port measuring 0.7 feet. No major damage was reported, but one man was slightly injured. Trains were halted at Miyazaki Station, stranding passengers. The quake, at a depth of 18.6 miles, affected a wide area in Kyushu. Ava Sinclair 14/01/2025 2:00 pm
